Recently, DBV communicated membership fees for FY27 & FY28. However, on 30 June AusDBF issued a notice regarding collection of insurance levies which caused the DBV Board to pause the increase and review the previously confirmed fees. 

AusDBF have increased their total levy by $14 across all membership types, inclusive of a general increase and a change in the insurance levy collection model. Previously, AusDBF would charge DBV annually on a per member basis for a range of insurances (Personal Accident, Public Liability, Management Liability etc). The new model sees these costs passed on directly to each member at the point of registration. 

Following a secondary comprehensive fee review, the Board of Directors voted to adopt FY27 & FY28 fees version 2, available to be viewed here. 

The latest DBV membership fees include an increase on some membership types but a decrease on others (DBV portion). Note - DBV will now absorb the PIN payment fees previously passed on to each member when new legislation comes into effect later this year. The new fees address rising operational costs and the outcome also places a strong focus on keeping Junior and Student registration fees as low as possible, to encourage people within this demographic to register as a member. 

The Lunar New Year regatta will now be held on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February, 2027. This regatta had previously been advertised as a one (1) day regatta on Saturday 20 February. The event has been updated in the Events Calendar.

DBV is excited to announce the members of the newly formed Regatta & Development Committee. The committee will work to the Terms of Reference set out by the Board. The R&D Committee plays a vital role in:

• planning the DBV regatta season,
• proposing venues and racing categories,
• reviewing participant feedback, making improvements and discussing strategies to increase racing opportunities,
• balance participation and competition outcomes, and provide a balanced regatta schedule.

Congratulations to the following members:

• Gavin James (Warriors)
• Lindy Fahey (DA Melbourne Pink Phoenix)
• Jen Reilly (Melbourne Flames)
• Rod Walter (Peninsula Dragonflys)
• Philippa McLean (Dragon Masters)
• Paul Orgad (DBV Operations Manager) 

These individuals represent a cross-section of our membership and are there to pass on feedback so please do not hesitate to reach out and communicate with them. The Committee held its first meeting and developed the race schedule for the August regattta at Carrum. The event details will be uploaded to RevSport and the DBV website, shortly. 

Officials & Volunteers Course:
We invite all DBV members and volunteers to attend the Officials and Volunteers training on 9 August at the Hub in Docklands. Currently DBV relies on all competing clubs to provide officials and volunteers at a regatta. From DBV’s point of view we request that all clubs have a number of people who can volunteer at regattas, and who understand the rules and the roles of being an official. Even if you are happy to volunteer but do not want to be assessed and work as an official – attending this course benefits you and DBV enormously. To that end, we encourage every DBV club put forward two or three people that are happy to work at regattas across a season to attend the course. Registration is free and can be completed HERE

Future Coaching Course:
Following a successful Level 1 Coaching Course last month, DBV is seeking to understand member interest in a Level 2 Course in late 2026 (date and venue TBC). If you are interested, please complete this survey. The survey is open until Friday 24 July. 

At its July meeting the DBV Board has adopted the Dragon Boat Victoria Membership Extension Policy – Medical Grounds. The policy is now available on the DBV website view here.